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TWO DAYS LATER, Zee met Michael’s family who visited her home. His parents were aristocratic and gracious. His big sister and her husband were kind faced and friendly.
They all had dinner at the table in a friendly air. Their warmness got Zee wondering if they were really mafia. They had a peaceful air around them. Perhaps, they were pretending, she thought.
She also pondered on why his parents did not accept Cassy. What was the reason? It was quite a shame that her fiance was seated right by her side and she could not bring herself to ask him the questions bugging her.
Bodyguards hung around their home as though a celebrity or big time politician was visiting. Their presence was overwhelming.
The affluent lifestyle they lived did not so much as confirm their mafia involvement as much as the b
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Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 39
Zee thought about it. All she wanted was the invoice. She guessed she would have to tell her what she wanted to hear. Still, she would not give the impression that she relented easily. “I don’t know. You girls hurt us a lot.” “And we regret it. But I think you should take your time about it.” “I’ll think about it.” Zee responded. “Great. Now let’s raise your invoice.” She began typing buttons on her system. “Room type?” “Executive.” Amy blew a whistle that spoke of respect for the high cost it would entail. As she typed, Zee forced a smile. She couldn’t help it. The cash would be big but she needed it. “Date?” “Yesterday.” Zee answered. She had to backdate it because she had lied to Michael that she already paid. Amy typed more buttons on her system for a short while and next, she was printing an invoice. When it came out, she handed the paper to Zee. “It’s all done.” “Thank you so much.” Zee said. “I appreciate
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“Even though, I ruined your wedding?” Zee asked pointedly and Cassy smiled. “You did me a favor. I was messing around. But with your help, I’m maintaining my current relationship, which has always been there, anyway.” She laughed and her friends joined her heartily. Zee and Inara exchanged glances for the umpteenth time. “I don’t believe you.” Inara said, looking at the girls squarely and they stopped laughing, a remorseful look appearing on their faces. Cassy dropped to her knees and her friends joined her. Zee and Inara’s faces registered shock. The other girls caught sight of Cassy and her friends on the floor and stopped dancing. Even the DJ lowered the music. “We are very sorry.” Cassy apologized. “And we are not blinded by pride or ashame
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 41
Cassy gave Zee the puppy-eyed look and it was perfect on her snotty face. “But why?” She asked innocently. Zee wasn’t moved. All she could think about was Michael’s reaction. She didn’t even want to imagine it “I don’t like it, so we just can’t.” she clarified. She knew she did not have to mention Michael. “Oh, come on, Zee. I thought you were open-minded. I secretly admired that about you. We did this for you in advance, in case we got you and Inara’s forgiveness. We spent cool cash on this because we wanted to contribute to a fun-filled time at your bridal shower. This kind of event does not come every day.” That was a mouthful, Zee thought, even as she opened her mouth to refuse their gift. “Thanks for your effort but I…” “I understand.” Cassy interrupted smoothly, “but I think you should chill a little.” She raised her voice and addressed the room. “Hey, beautiful ladies and friends of Zee, don’t you fancy some stripper fun? Please, give me a yes,
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 42
SOME HOURS LATER, Zee was seated on her bed staring at her phone. She was in a pair of pajamas and waiting for Cassy to take her call. It was the third time she was calling but Cassy had not answered. She decided to leave Cassy a message. HI, she began to type but was interrupted by an incoming call from Cassy. Quickly, she received it but despite her fear and anger, she managed to keep her voice steady and receive it. “Hello.” “You’ve been calling, and I’ve been busy picking out uh…some interesting photographs.” She said pointedly. “Congratulations, Cassy.” Zee calmly said to her, ignoring the threatening undertone behind her words. “Hmm. Are y
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 43
ZEE WAS STILL unsure of how to begin, so she just decided to say it as it came to her. “Someone is going to send you pictures of the event.” “That's interesting. And I think it would make for some good entertainment, so I look forward to that.” “No,” Zee said in a rush. She could not help her anxiety. “No?” “I mean, there will be strippers in the pictures.” A pregnant silence passed between them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Strip what?” Zee found herself swallowing hard with rising tension. “Strippers.” She said quickly. “But I didn’t bring them. It was a setup and…” “Hold on. You mean to tell me that you had strippers at that party.”
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WAKING UP TO a new day was often a source of joy to Zee, but not when she was feeling troubled. Still, she managed to go through the morning motions of chores and cooking with her mother who was now spending more time at home. For the first time, her mother noticed her mood as they made egg sauce in the kitchen. “You’re kind of distant.” She observed. “Mum, that’s a first,” Zee responded. Her mother smiled. “Then you should give me some credit, I guess.” “Oh, mum. You’ve been trying and I do appreciate it. But I’m fine.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “I understand if you’re getting the wedding jitters.”
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 45
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE wedding rehearsal, Michael would not let Zee out of his sight. He held her hand, which created the impression that they were enamored with each other. She maintained a happy demeanor but deep inside, she was praying for a miracle. She barely prayed on a normal day. Her family believed in God but they just were not as dedicated as Inara’s family. Michael kept her close beside him somewhere near the altar and kept talking to her softly. To others around, he was saying something loving to her, because the expression on the handsome features of his face was generally pleasant. It gave off a relaxed air around him but in reality, he was making subtle threats, telling her how he could not wait to properly address her latest episodes of misbehavior, as he put it. Few seconds after her desperate silent prayer, she saw her father excuse himself from the company of her mother and Reverend Anthony. Then he started advancing t
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 46
A FEW MOMENTS LATER, Zee spent some time with her family eating popcorn as they watched a movie in the living room. Israel fell asleep on her lap after some time during the movie and she laid him down on an unoccupied sofa there in the living room. After the movie ended, they said their goodnights, and her parents carried Israel with them as they returned to their room while she returned to her bedroom. As she reached her door, she felt her energy deplete suddenly, making her pause. She knew that she had gained several years. That horrible feeling was still scary even though it was no longer new to her. She reached for the door handle and was not surprised to find her hands wrinkled. She quickly opened the door and let herself inside the room. Then she locked the door and hurried over to the dressing mirror. Her reflection showed a mid-fifties version of herself. “Damn you.” She cursed at her reflection. Then she sat down and picked up her phone from
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